First Bow (Privet) Help

[CherokeeKC]

Ok.  Sorry if im asking dumb questions.  But just to reiterate, make the very middle of the stave 1 inch and taper immediately to the 1/2 inch tips?  There is no 3 or 4 inch section of 1 inch thick then taper?

[Pat B]

The only dumb questions are the ones you don't ask!   
  Make your 4" handle area 1" thick and from there gradually taper to 1/2" tips. This will yield a 95# bow so you will have to tiller it down to a nice even bend and to the weight you are shooting for.

[CherokeeKC]

Should i make the very center of the bow at the very top of the 4 inch handle section?  I wish my books were here then i wouldnt have to ask these simple questions. 

[Little John]

You can just make the center of the bow be at the center of the handle as in equal length limbs. Most times I will make the upper limb an inch and quarter longer so the arrow pass is closer  to the center of the bow. I do not know how the traditional cherokee bows were built but to me there is no wrong way.      Kenneth

[CherokeeKC]

Since my privet log is 71 inches long, is it considered a waste if i make a 56-64 inch bow?

[CherokeeKC]

Would the shorter length also change all the starting dimensions that Pat suggested?

[Pat B]

Without knowing privet's properties I'd say make it long(64") to be on the safe side.  All other dimensions should work fine.

[CherokeeKC]

Ok ill go with 64 inches long.  Everyone says that privet works like oak, so i guess that means that the properties are similar to oak as well.

[Little John]

I would not sweat it too much, just make the bow and learn from it  I would make a mid weight bow about 50# at at least 64" so as not to sk too much from the wood and give myself a bit of room for screw ups.       Kenneth